The Changing face of the U.S. grain system
Subtitle: differentiation and identity preservation trends
By: Aziz Elbehri.
Contributors: United States. Dept. of Agriculture. Economic Research Service.
Series: Economic research report / United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service -- 35.; Economic research report (United States. Dept. of Agriculture. Economic Research Service) -- no. 35.
Publisher: U.S.Dept. of Agriculture,  Economic Research Service
Published: 2007
Place of publication: Washington, D.C
Language: eng
Number of pages: 32
Subjects: Grain trade -- Economic aspects -- United States.; Product differentiation -- Economic aspects -- United States.; Market segmentation -- United States -- Costs.; Specialty crops -- Economic aspects -- United States.; Agriculture and state -- United States.
Description: This report examines current trends in the U.S. grain industry. Many identity preservation (IP) grain systems have emerged recently, driven by a confluence of supply and demand factors. IP grain requirements for specific production protocols, marketing channels, and quality assurance depend on whether the crops are trait-specific, non-GM (genetically modified), organic, or pharmaceutical. Cost structures vary according to the relative importance of segregation and risk management. High information management, greater market coordination, and frequent reliance on contracts characterize IP grains. IP grain markets are also inherently riskier, with volatile supply, inelastic demand, and fluctuating price premiums. Increasing grain differentiation is altering the marketing structure of the U.S. grain industry and creating possible roles for government policy, particularly in market facilitation, standard setting, and regulations affecting food safety and biosecurity.
Notes: Cover title.

"February 2007"--P. [i].

"A Report from the Economic Research Service"--P [i].

Also available on the World Wide Web.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 29-32).